The $1 milion cinema at 16th Street and Cleveland Place was built by Fox Intermountain Theaters. It was the first downtown theater constructed in Denver since 1932, and the first in the world designed “expressly for CinemaScope and stereophonic sound.”

The massive green, gold, pink and silver marquee stood 60 feet wide and 100 feet tall. The theater seated 1,247, and the elaborate lobby had a columbine-decorated terrazzo floor. Gold and silver leaf plasterwork adorned both the lobby and auditorium. The movie screen, which could be adjusted to fit any format, was 28 feet high and 60 feet long.

Opening night, April 29, 1954, was sold out in advance. However, an additional 1,000 seats for fans were built in a grandstand outside the theater. This was where the celebrities were to be introduced and stage a show.

Unfortunately, there was a heavy snow that evening and the arriving celebs rushed from their cars directly into the theater. The show was moved indoors and those who had waited for hours in the cold only caught a glimpse of the stars.

Ethel Merman, who lived in Denver at the time, was mistress of ceremonies and opened with her signature “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” The others told tales and entertained. Dan Daily danced a softshoe and Tex Ritter sang a song from “High Noon.”

After the performances and a speech by Mayor Quigg Newton, the “waterfall” curtain was swept back and the movie began. The film, “River Of No Return,” starred Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe.

The Centre was sold in 1976 and leased to Mann Theatres. It was sold again in 1980 to Larken Development Group of Calgary. The theater was torn down in 1981 and Columbine Place built on its location. Columbine Place at 216 16th Street stands between the Sheraton Hotel and McDonald’s at the head of the 16th Street Mall.